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Real-World Experience

Spanish and Portuguese Across Cultures Organization (SPACO)

SPACO is a Spanish and Portuguese club focused in the development of knowledge of the Spanish and Portuguese languages and the cultures and communities with which they are associated through events, speakers, and volunteer work. SPACO's principle activities include volunteer activities, speakers, and various events that submerge people into the Spanish, Latin American, and Portuguese language and culture.

Join

SPACO meets twice a month during the academic semester. We also host both Spanish and Portuguese weekly conversation hours when school is in session. To learn more about SPACO meetings and events, join the SPACO listserv. Please email spadvise@umn.edu with the following:

Spanish and Portuguese Conversation Hours

Spanish and Portuguese Conversation Hours will be held Thursdays from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. in the Library Room of Bordertown Coffee beginning September 15th. Students will have the opportunity to practice Spanish, Portuguese or both during these hours!

Spanish Conversation Hours

Portuguese Conversation Hour

Portuguese Conversation Hours will be held Fridays from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. in Folwell Hall, room 121. Begins September 16th.

SPACO Meetings

SPACO meetings are held in Folwell Hall, room 6.

Tuesday, September 13th: 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 27th: 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, October 11th: 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, October 25th: 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, November 8th: 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, November 15th: 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 6th: 4:30-5:30 p.m.

SPACO Welcome Back Event

Tuesday, September 20th: 4:30-6:00 p.m. in room 140 Nolte Center

Learn more about SPACO by attending our annual Welcome Back event. We will have pizza, games, music, and conversations in Spanish & Portuguese! If you are interested in this event, please RSVP to will2381@umn.edu.

Spanish and Portuguese Study Abroad Panel

Thursday, October 6th: 3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. in room 140 Nolte CenterIf you are interested in studying abroad in a Spanish or Portuguese speaking country, come hear from Spanish Studies majors, Spanish Studies minors, and Spanish/Portuguese Studies major who studied in Spanish or Portuguese speaking areas. Spanish and Portuguese Studies advisors will also be available for questions.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

We also encourage undergraduate students to apply for the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). This program, sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research, supports research projects dedicated to fulfilling the U of M’s commitment to research and expanding the store of human knowledge and expression. Students who successfully apply will receive a $1,400 stipend to support their research and will also have an opportunity to present their research at various university symposia.

Students who earn a UROP will be mentored by one of nearly 3,000 diverse faculty members and will meet other students who share a passion for discovery about the human condition. The UROP can be used to help you achieve practical goals like your senior capstone project or put you on a path to career. If you're interested in pursuing a program with UROP, please visit the Office of Undergraduate Research for more information.

Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Conference (UIC)

Each year, the Department of Spanish & Portuguese works with other language-based departments and centers to host the Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Conference (UIC). Students participating in UIC have the opportunity to experience all the rigor and fun of a professional academic conference. UIC hosts panels of student researchers and writers, moderated discussions, chances for students to network with faculty and alumni, and creative student performances.

In addition to traditional conference panels and presentations, we will be asking students to propose collaborative and discussion based sessions. In these “open forums,” small groups of students will make short problem-posing presentations on significant global issues and lead their peers in a discussion focused on exploration and questioning (rather than argumentation and answers).